Benton County Man Pleads Guilty To First-Degree Murder

Leon Lincoln, 42, of Bella Vista accepted a plea agreement on Monday. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison, according to Prosecuting Attorney Jim Clark.

Lincoln was accused of stabbing his lover to death in October of 2012.

Officers and EMS were called to 12 Thaxted Dr. in Bella Vista where Lincoln was living. They found 46-year-old Theresa Voshell with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she later died from her wounds.

Voshell allegedly told witnesses, “He stabbed me,” as Lincoln sat on the street outside the house, covered in blood on the night of Oct. 13, 2012, according to police.

In addition to the 40 years, Lincoln was also given 10 years of an additional suspended sentence, Clark said.

Lincoln was on parole when the stabbing occurred and had been convicted of nine felonies since 1990, according to officials.

He must serve 28 years in prison before he’ll be eligible for parole, Clark said.